Volcanic ash plume over Icelandic settlement of Grindavik, 14 January 2024 [Author: Glen Scott]

Description

During a volcanic eruption, huge quantities of fragments of pulverised magmatic rock can be ejected into the atmosphere, reaching great height and accumulating in clouds which then drift with the wind. This material eventually settles out of the atmosphere onto the ground in a process of sedimentation (ashfall). The larger, and heavier particles, settle out of the atmosphere sooner and closer to the point of eruption, whereas the smaller lighter particles travel further and remain suspended in the atmosphere for longer.